TWO university lecturers enjoying a night out were attacked and robbed as they left a nightclub.

The un-named pair, who work at Newcastle and Northumbria universities, were set upon as they walked from Klute near Elvet Bridge in Durham City shortly after midnight last Friday.

The pair, in their early 40s, were attacked in a steep alleyway leading to the city centre by two men. They were punched to the ground and kicked repeatedly by their attackers who demanded cash.

The robbers snatched one lecturer's wallet containing cash cards and fled.

The victims staggered to the city's police station in nearby New Elvet. One needed hospital treatment for facial injuries including a broken nose. One of the attackers is said to be in his early 40s, with thin hair or balding, and was wearing a brown leather jacket.

PC Steve Barrow urged any witnesses to call the police on 0191-386 4222 or Crimestoppers on (0800) 555111